AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has denied reports linking Mario Balotelli with a return to the San Siro, revealing that the Manchester City striker is “unreachable” due to his potential transfer fee and current weekly wages, Sky Sports reports.

“Balotelli is a player I like a lot, but some players are unreachable for Italian clubs. They cost too much and earn too much for us,” Galliani told Rai Sport.

Balotelli has been linked with a return to the San Siro on many occasions since leaving the Rossoneri’s bitter rivals Internazionale for Manchester City.

The Italy international striker cost City €22 million in August 2010, four years after he joined the Italian giants for a total transfer fee of €290,000.

In addition to being one of the most intriguing footballers on the planet, both on and off the pitch, Balotelli is also undeniably a world-class striker, in every sense of the word.

The former Inter Milan forward has netted five goals in 16 appearances for club and country in 2012-13, but surprisingly none have come in the Premier League, despite the Italian appearing in six league matches for City.